In July 2022, two months after his historic escape from the Mangaung Correctional Centre, Thabo Bester was apprehended for speeding but released since the public and law authorities were unaware of his breakout.
In an unusual twist in the Bester escape story, the Minister of Police acknowledged that Bester’s escape status was unknown to officers at the time.
On July 12, Police Minister Senzo Mchunu responded to queries from the Democratic Alliance’s Nicholas Gotsell, stating that Bester was arrested for speeding by Laingsburg traffic cops.
Mchunu stated that the public was not told that a rapist and killer was on the run because the police were unaware at the time that Thabo Bester had escaped from the G4S Prison in Bloemfontein, Free State.
“Bester designed a smart identity card for traffic cops. The card showed the name Katlego Nkwana, and officers feared it was false. Bester was escorted to the nearest Department of Home Affairs office, where it was determined that the identity smart card was false,” Mchunu stated.
He was detained for fraud but freed.
“He was meant to appear in court on August 8 but failed to do so and the case was deemed ‘nolle proseque’ (meaning the court will not prosecute),” according to Mchunu.
When Gotsell questioned Mchunu why it took two years to reveal the arrest details, he explained that the case involving the two suspects and others is complex, and that further fraud allegations are currently being investigated.
“The task team report will be submitted to the Select Committee on Security and Justice upon its completion,” Mr. Mchunu stated.
He noted that two police officers have already received final written warnings.
Bester and his accomplice, Dr. Nandipha Magudumana, became fugitives, and authorities in Arusha, Tanzania, apprehended and extradited them to South Africa on April 8, 2023.
Several individuals have been arrested as part of the inquiry, including Magudumana’s father, Zolile Sekeleni.
The remaining accused are Senohe Matsoara, Teboho Liphoko, Buti Masukela, Tieho Makhotsa, Zanda Moyo, and Joel Makhetha. The trial date has been scheduled for February 10, 2025.
